Pastoral Institute – Lay Ministry

Founded in 1967, the Pastoral Institute of the Brooklyn Diocese has a long tradition of providing programs and resources for theological and pastoral formation of the laity in Brooklyn and Queens. Our programs are specifically designed for lay pastoral leaders in our parishes and include:

Lay Ministry Program: A three-year program that prepares pastoral leaders to serve as volunteer team members or coordinators for a particular ministry. Classes in English and Spanish start each September at locations throughout the Diocese. Read more.

Foundations for Ministry Program: A ten-week, twenty-hour program of theological updating for those engaged in ministry, for parish council members, and for those discerning enrollment in the three-year program. Program is offered in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Polish and Mandarin Chinese. Read more.

M. A. Scholarship Program in Theology: Prepares individuals to serve as a Pastoral Associate, parish catechetical leader, or in other professional leadership positions, by offering the opportunity for graduate studies in theology at a nearby university or seminary. The Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens provides financial assistance for those who need it. Read more.

Parish Associate
A Pastoral Associate assists the pastor with the day-to-day pastoral care and administration of the parish and is comfortable ministering in an environment characterized by collaboration and mutual support. The Pastoral Institute is the diocesan agency that relates to Pastoral Associates. It assists those parishes that are interested in hiring these ministers and also relates to persons who are seeking employment as Pastoral Associates. Read more.

Lay Ministry Sunday
Lay Ministry Sunday is celebrated in all parishes on the Sunday immediately preceding Ash Wednesday. The date for this year’s celebration is February 15, 2015. Read more.

Parish Liaisons
The role of the parish liaison is to provide a connection between the Pastoral Institute and the local parish community, including the pastor, parish staff, commissioned lay pastoral leaders, current program participants and potential future participants. Read more.

Announcements

The general policy is that if New York City public schools are closed, all School of Evangelization classes and events will be canceled. In other situations, a decision will be made as soon as possible.